FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How long does it take to complete the course?

The program is approximately 300 hours. It should take anywhere from four months to nine months to complete. It depends how much time you have to devote to it. You have access to the program for 12 full months at no additional cost.

2. What if I need more than 12 months to complete the program due to reasons I can’t control?

After that time, if you have not completed the course, we do offer an unlimited extension in which you pay by the month for a fee of $50.00.

3. What if I already have training related to the medical transcription course outline, such as medical terminology or anatomy and physiology? Do I have to take these classes again when I enroll in your program?

We give you the option to take the medical terminology test or the A&P test before enrolling if you have taken these classes before. If you can pass the tests, you will be given a discount and moved into Module Two immediately. We see no reason to make you take classes you have already taken, and no reason to make you pay for course materials that you do not need. We have several nurses in the program that did not need to go through Module One.

4. Are you an Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau?

Yes. Our company is a member of the Better Business Bureau both online and locally. The logo is on the main page at the bottom of our web site. Our business has been operating since 2004 and we have an "A" rating.

5. Are you a qualified medical transcriptionist that works in the field, or just an educator?

I have run my own medical transcription business from home since 1994. I have also taken many students through an Internship program for my local college since 1997. I spent two years putting this training program together to make sure it was the very best it could be.

6. Why does your course cost much less than other home study courses?

I get asked this question quite often. I opened the course in May 2009. I wanted to make it affordable for everyone. I could have charged far more for it, and the Introductory Price is being raised shortly by $200.00. However, medical transcription is my passion, and I’ve helped many people start their own home based business for many years now. I don’t see any reason to put the price out of range for aspiring medical transcriptionists. Compared to other home study programs, some of my own students have told me that my course is superior to some that they have taken. I do have students that have taken other more expensive courses, and for one reason or another did not feel they got an adequate education or received the personal touch they should have been given. I will always keep the course costs affordable, even after the price increase. I will also always keep the easy monthly payment plan available. This also gives the student the chance to cancel without feeling like they spent thousands of dollars that they cannot recoup. Life happens, and often for reasons you can’t control. I don’t believe in taking a student’s money and leaving them high and dry. What goes around comes around!

7. Do you offer phone assistance to your students?

Absolutely! I am here to chat with you about any concerns or needs you have. My phone number is: 772-466-3435 EST. I am in Florida. You can always email me with questions as well. I offer support seven days a week, not only Monday through Friday!

8. Does a school have to be approved by AHDI to teach Medical Transcription?

No, a school does not have to be approved by AHDI, AHDI is a private association that helps set universal guidelines for medical transcriptionists. There are no government mandated laws regarding education/testing for our profession.

9. Can I talk to other students while I am taking the course?

Yes! We have a forum where you can chat with other students, and you can private message each other for your own privacy. I highly recommend you do this. It’s a great way to network with fellow students, and a great way to make friends. You can also get to know each other and contact each other by phone, and make long-lasting friendships with other medical transcriptionists.

10. How much does it cost to take the final medical dictation exam?

Unlike some other courses, we do not charge you to take your final exam. There are NO hidden fees. Out of pocket expenses are noted on the Course Requirements page, and don’t amount to more than about $50.00.

11. Do I need to purchase a foot pedal?

If you CHOOSE to purchase a foot pedal, the cost is about $60.00 from this site: http://www.aaaprice.com/inusb.html. We use Express Scribe which is a free digital player, and you can use the hot-keys, (F-Keys), instead of the foot pedal. The actual foot pedal is an option for you if you’d prefer that to the hot-keys. You are more than welcome to shop around for a foot pedal and you don’t need to purchase it from that particular site. I have listed that site for you as I found it to be the most economical site to purchase from. Some people prefer the hot-keys, but others prefer a foot pedal. It’s up to you.

12. Are there any out-of-pocket expenses?

Out-Of-Pocket Course Material Costs – These are minimal costs, less than $50.00. I do recommend that you purchase The PDR Pocket Guide To Prescription Drugs. This is available at amazon.com and other online stores; I have also found it in my local Wal-Mart. It generally costs about $7.00. You will need to purchase a headset to use in month two, for the digital dictation, these are about $10.00. The software program you will use is free for you to download, but you will need a headset, so that you can listen to the dictation. You can pick one of these up at your local Radio Shack or your Wal-Mart store. I also recommend that you purchase the medical spellchecker from www.medispell.com for module two, but it is not compulsory. Please read the course requirements page for further information.

13. Is the dictation practice actual "physician dictation?"

Yes! The digital dictation is real physician dictation. You will start in Module Two with beginner’s dictation, and it will get more challenging as you go through the modules. You will experience varying levels of difficulty. However, you will have an answer key for your dictation practice. You will not be left stranded wondering what was dictated. It is very important to be able to go back and hear the dictation again and find out where you were "stuck", so that you can recognize that word in the future. It’s pointless to not understand what was said, only for it to be graded on a report. If you can’t hear the transcription again, you would not learn what was being said. That is why I supply you with answer keys. I want you to learn, and understand what you are transcribing.

14. Will I receive a Certificate Of Completion once I finish your course?

Yes. You will receive your certificate/diploma upon completion of the course. It will prove to prospective employers or clients that you have completed an education in the field of Medical Transcription.

15. Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. The course is set up to offer a payment plan anyway. If you prefer to pay a one-time payment for tuition and materials, please contact me for a discount.

16. Can I contact any of your current students?

Yes, absolutely! I encourage you to contact any of my students that have given me permission to let you contact them. In fact, I encourage you to do so!

17. Do you offer help with job placement?

In Module Four we have divided that module into two parts. The second part focuses on helping you get a job or work at home position, and includes instruction to help you start your own Medical Transcription Service. We cannot guarantee you a job, nor can any company from which you graduate, but we are here to help you succeed.

18. What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel your subscription at anytime without a penalty. We do not expect you to pay the full course tuition amount up front. If you need help cancelling your subscription to the membership site, I can do that for you. We understand that sometimes "life happens", and we have a "no-run-around" cancellation policy.

19. Do you accept students outside of the United States?

Yes, I have several International students, mainly from Australia and Canada, but anyone can enroll. It is advised that students from foreign countries either speak English as a primary language, or have a very good understanding of the English language prior to enrolling.

20. Is there a specific enrollment date?

No. You can enroll and start the course at anytime of the year.

21. Will you help me after I’ve finished the course and got my own work/accounts if I feel I need your assistance in understanding something that was dictated that I can’t understand?

I will be there to help you. I’ve helped many people over the years, and have listened over the phone to decipher what is being dictated many times before to help people. I won’t leave you stranded. I am dedicated to helping my students so that they can be successful. I will be there for you if you need help.

If you have any further questions, which I have not answered on this page, please feel free to contact me. If I am not available, please leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.